“The Maple Grove and Wayzata boys soccer teams battled to a 2-2 tie in Lake Conference play Tuesday. It was the regular season finale for Maple Grove, while Wayzata has one non-conference game remaining. Maple Grove got on the board first on Ousman Touray’s goal about 12 ½ minutes into the contest. Wayzata tied it ten minutes later as Anthony Tringali scored on a rebound of Jeremy Cordeiro’s shot. Wayzata grabbed the lead in the second half on a nice set play as Reid Bohlsen’s free kick was headed by George Soeffker to Aidan Iliff for a point-blank header. Maple Grove tied it up as Carter Mast delivered a header goal on a well-placed corner kick from Parker Carlson. Despite being two of the state’s best teams, the Crimson and Trojans tied for fourth place in the rugged Lake Conference with 3-2-2 league records.” via CCX Media.
Category: Uncategorized
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After drawing questions from residents, the boat once stored at Wayzata’s Public Works facility has been removed. Mayor Andrew Mullin confirmed in an October 2 statement that the vessel was “removed as planned,” effectively closing the matter.
While some neighbors sought more accountability, city leaders noted the issue was minor and addressed promptly.
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The League of Women Voters of Wayzata-Plymouth, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to fostering informed and active participation in government, convened a public forum this week for candidates seeking election to the Wayzata School Board. Six community members—Laura Conway, Heidi Kader, Alicia Liddle, Julie Joseph, Kate Knight, and Milind Sohoni—took the stage to share their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the district.
Over the course of the evening, candidates addressed a wide range of questions, from school safety and student mental health to budget priorities, facility needs, and the role of student voice on the board. The discussion also highlighted how board members can collaborate across differing viewpoints, engage families and staff in the upcoming superintendent search, and navigate emerging issues such as artificial intelligence in education.
Wayzata.com will provide a full narrative on the candidates’ responses and priorities in the coming weeks, offering readers a closer look at where each stands on the key issues shaping the future of the district.
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“The Wayzata girls soccer team remained unbeaten this season with a 2-0 shutout of Maple Grove. The Trojans, ranked number one in the state and the defending Class AAA state champions, finished the regular season with a 12-0-2 record and the Lake Conference champions. Lauren Craig scored her team-high 19th goal of the season to open the scoring in the first half. Ava Molde scored for the Trojans in the second half, off an assist from Craig. Maple Grove finishes the regular season with a record of 5-8-2. Both teams open section tournament play next week.” via CCX Media.
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“The Wayzata girls swimming and diving team earned a Lake Conference dual meet win at home over Maple Grove 98-83. The Trojans started off well with wins in the 200-yard freestyle from Evie Holmes, the 200-yard IM from Gabrielle Tram, and the 50-yard freestyle from Brooke Huldeen. Maple Grove rallied with Ellis Landry winning first place in diving, along with wins in the 100-butterfly from Maddie Hetland and in the 100-freestyle from Molly Menning. However, the Trojans were able to hold on late for the win.” via CCX Media.
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Wayzata’s lakefront turned into a living postcard this week as young people from across the Lake Minnetonka area—dressed in their homecoming best—flocked to Panoway Plaza and the stretch of Lake Street in front of CoV. Parents lined the walkways with cameras ready, capturing the classic lakefront backdrop as students gathered in clusters, laughter and anticipation filling the air.
The timing was fitting. Wayzata High School celebrates homecoming this weekend, with the Trojans set to host the Minnetonka Skippers in the annual “Battle for the Bay Bell” on Friday night. The rivalry game is expected to draw a packed crowd to Wayzata’s stadium, with the homecoming dance following on Saturday evening.
The energy on the Panoway offered a preview of that school spirit. What was once the domain of steamboat passengers and summer visitors now serves as a stage for a new generation—where milestones, friendships, and traditions unfold against the timeless backdrop of Wayzata Bay.
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The Wayzata Trojans broke into the win column Friday night with a dominant 45–3 victory over Park of Cottage Grove, moving their record to 1–4 on the season.
Wayzata wasted no time establishing control. Jaxon Brown opened the scoring with a 1-yard touchdown run, followed quickly by a 10-yard burst from Zander Harrell to make it 14–0 in the first quarter. The Trojans kept the pressure on as Sam Booh powered in from three yards out, and a last-second field goal by Felix Miguel Balthazar sent them into halftime with a 24–0 lead.
The third quarter sealed the outcome. Brown electrified the visiting crowd with a 65-yard punt return touchdown, quarterback Thor Soukup connected with Peter Milkes on a 40-yard strike, and Luke Boutwell capped the onslaught with a 23-yard scoring run. Park managed only a late field goal to avoid the shutout.
With their first win in hand, Wayzata now turns its attention to one of the most anticipated games of the season: the Battle for the Bay Bell. The Trojans will host undefeated Minnetonka (5–0) on Friday, October 3. The Skippers are riding high after a 21–14 upset of Eden Prairie, their first victory over the Eagles in 20 years.
The matchup carries extra intrigue with the return of Matt Lombardi, Minnetonka’s defensive coordinator who helped guide Wayzata to state titles in 2005, 2008, and 2010. The Skippers also feature electric running back Caleb Francois, who has been torching defenses all fall.
Homecoming kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Wayzata High School Stadium.
Editor’s note: This article has been lightly edited to correct typographical errors.
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The Wayzata School Board held a work session this week to explore the idea of adding a student representative to the board.
Board Chair Milind Sohoni opened the meeting by clarifying that no recommendation or resolution would be made, and that the evening’s purpose was strictly informational. The session was framed as an opportunity to gather input, review possible models, and weigh potential benefits and challenges.
Invited guests included Katie Clenderwood of the Minnesota School Boards Association, Hopkins School Board member Dr. Jen Westmoreland, and Hopkins High School student Claire Fisher. Together, they shared background on student participation in board governance, noting that more than 130 districts across Minnesota currently seat student representatives in an advisory role.
The Hopkins delegation outlined their district’s approach, where nine to ten high school students serve as board representatives. They provide reports at meetings, engage peers for feedback, and contribute to discussions on issues such as school safety, policy changes, and calendar planning.
Board members asked questions about student selection, time commitments, and how participation fits within the regular school day. Hopkins representatives acknowledged challenges but emphasized the value of student perspectives in board decision-making.
The session concluded without action, serving instead as an information-gathering step as Wayzata leaders consider whether a student advisory position may fit within the district’s governance structure.
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The Blue Water Theatre Company is turning to the community and city leaders for support as it seeks to add its building at 605 Rice Street East to the National Register of Historic Places.
The youth performing arts nonprofit has called the former Wayzata Congregational Church home since 2017. The property’s history stretches back nearly a century and a half:
- 1881 – The vacant lot was sold to the Congregational Church.
- 1882 – The first frame structure was erected on the site.
- 1911 – The building was renovated and substantially expanded by renowned Minnesota architect Harry Wild Jones.
- February 26, 1916 – The renovated church was destroyed in a fire.
- September 10, 1916 – The church was rebuilt to Jones’s 1911 plan and rededicated.
This summer, heavy rains caused significant water damage to the building, leaving Blue Water with steep repair costs. “As a result, we have been forced to consider all options—including the heartbreaking possibility of selling the building,” wrote Janessa Prawer, a board member and marketing chair, in a letter to the Wayzata City Council. “The building represents far more than bricks and mortar—it is a home for creativity, growth, and belonging”.
City staff and the Heritage Preservation Board (HPB) have been engaged since July to explore how local designation and potential placement on the National Register could open doors to grants and preservation funding. At its September 23 meeting, the City Council considered authorizing the HPB to work with Blue Water Theatre on the application process, a step required by ordinance before any outreach to the state or federal level can begin.
For Blue Water’s 300 annual participants and the 8,000 patrons who attend performances, the building has become a cultural cornerstone. The theatre’s leaders hope historic designation will safeguard both the structure’s legacy and the opportunities it creates for young people on stage and behind the curtain.
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Chace Anderson. Image courtesy Wayzata Schools. Wayzata Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Chace B. Anderson has announced his plans to retire at the end of the 2025–26 school year, concluding an 18-year tenure in Wayzata and a 43-year career in public education.
In a letter to families, Anderson shared his “many mixed emotions” about the decision, while expressing gratitude to the Wayzata community, staff, and families who have supported him since he began as superintendent in 2008.
“I have had the good fortune of serving in this role since July 1, 2008. At the conclusion of this school year, I will have enjoyed 18 wonderful years serving this community,” Anderson wrote.
Anderson began his career in 1983 as a middle school science teacher, football coach, and track coach in Bellevue, Nebraska. Before coming to Wayzata, he served in a variety of leadership roles across other districts. In his letter, he emphasized that even as an administrator, he always sought to carry himself like a teacher and counselor—focused on helping others reach their potential.
During his time in Wayzata, Anderson cited several accomplishments achieved in collaboration with teachers, staff, and school boards. These include strategic planning for district growth, the construction of new schools, facility improvements, financial stewardship, the hiring of strong staff, enhanced student experiences, and strengthened community partnerships.
His leadership years also overlapped with his time as a Wayzata parent. Both of Anderson’s children graduated from Wayzata Public Schools, a perspective he described as uniquely rewarding.
“My wife and I are very proud that both of our kids are graduates of Wayzata Public Schools. Serving the triple role of superintendent, school district parent, and school district resident has been rewarding in every regard,” Anderson noted.
In reflecting on his career, Anderson shared that he never imagined, growing up in rural Iowa, that he would someday lead a district like Wayzata. A fortune cookie message he received just before interviewing for the role—“You are about to embark upon a most delightful journey”—proved prophetic, he said.
As he enters his final year, Anderson pledged to continue working hard and ensure a smooth leadership transition.
“It is a tremendous honor to serve this school community in this capacity,” Anderson wrote. “This has truly been a wonderful professional experience for me.”
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